Northern Invasion is back, as part of the Worlds Loudest Month, for a third consecutive year. Following the lead of our European friends, festivals have started to gain a foothold in the American way of life. With events like Rocklahoma and Rock on the Rangeentering their second decades. And for those hearty souls in the northern Midwest area of the Twin Cities, we have Northern Invasion. Two days of rocking, camping, drinking and… rocking! Taking place in the western Wisconsin settlement of Somerset on May 13th and 14th, the third installment of NI features a different taste in headliners than previous. What with Detroit red-neck Kid Rock and Seattle grungers Soundgarden topping the bill it surely signals there is something for everyone here. But for the festival junkie, it is so much more.

It’s a rain or shine congregation of like-minded souls. It’s a nap on the lawn with Gojira as a soundtrack. It’s drinks with friends and smiles with strangers. It’s three stages, over two days in one field with bands as wide-ranging as Atilla and Offspring. Sum 41 and Papa Roach. Every Time I Die and Bush. It is well over 24 hours of metal and rock performed live. It’s a gathering of old and new alike, away from the garbage that clutters our world, for a two-day rock n roll party.

There isn’t much for local lodging so camping maybe (IS!) your best bet. And you’ll want to pack shorts and sunscreen. Rain poncho and slickers. Winter coat and mittens. Because your mom was right. You can always take it off if you have it. But you can’t put it on if you ain’t got it. And get ready to walk and rock. When one band is done another is starting at that moment on another stage. And pack plenty of cash. The lines for the cash move slower than Kid Rock RSVP’ing for a Bernie Sanders fundraiser.

I would encourage anyone to check out a show at Somerset Amphitheater. While not the marvel of a Red Rocks it is hands down the best outdoor venue to see a show if you don’t want to be stuck in one spot. And of all the VIP packages I’ve been privy to see Northern Invasion offers one of the few I’ve deemed worth it. Hillside Adirondack seating with a loungy view of the main stage. A pavilion with a wall-size screen of the action complete with a miniaturized PA giving you quite possibly the best seat in the house. With the elbow room of a walk in closet to boot.

You should come! For ticket, camping and info and more information on Northern Invasion, visit: